Free *Editing*

Chapter 10

Birdy begins to fade awake a few minutes before the morning alarm. She turns over and looks down at Ardenia. She stands up straight away and tucks her hair into a high bun. Ardenia looks weak despite the amount of rest she presumably received. Ardenia looks up at Birdy and they stare into each others red eyes. Birdy gives a downcast smile and steps down the ladder.

They stand at attention outside the cell. Birdy's eyesight is blurry and her legs wobble when she tries to adjust her stance. The lack of food and water over the last three days has begun to weaken her.

Ardenia has been keeping her eye on Birdy's well being. She tells herself it is out of curiosity...Ardenia's eyes trail down to Birdy's tiny arms and unsteady legs. The young woman says tentatively, "Bring your brother to our cell." Birdy looks over at her confused. Ardenia carries on. "-I'll bring you some food and water." Birdy's eyes widen. Her appreciation is distinct. "Thank you Ardenia." Ardenia nods and the two of them are checked off on the tablet.

Ardenia heads straight to the canteen, while Birdy makes her way to the second floor of cells. Barn is also on his way to the third floor, so they meet halfway on the stairs.

"Come up to my cell." Birdy demands. Barn nods without asking any questions and they enter back into C14. Barn crosses his arms. He has goosebumps on his arms and Birdy frowns.

"You ok?" She asks. Barn grunts, he thinks about what he is about to say. "Didn't sleep at all. Couldn't stop thinking about Markus and Huld." Birdy nods and sits down on Ardenia's bed. Her eyes stay fixed on her brother.

"Don't worry Barn. I don't trust them either." He lapses back into his mind. Barn bobs his head exhausted.

"You'll be careful right?" Birdy understands now. He wants assurance. She gives him her best, brightest, beaming smile and nods.

"I'm always careful."

Barn stares at his sisters fatigued, soft green eyes with large red bags underneath. The usual summer time freckles that stand out against her glowing red cheeks have begun to fade away leaving her pale and sickly. Her smile is forced and around her dimples he can see marks and cuts from previous combat encounters. It makes Barn sick to his stomach. So much so, he has to look away from her. Birdy's face falls flat, and for the first time in a long time, she does not know what to say.

Ardenia rounds the corner and steps into the cell. She has two, tiny cups filled with lukewarm water and two pieces of buttered bread on a paper towel. Birdy leaps to her feet and Barn is astounded.

"Thank you so much." Birdy says as the cup is given to her. "You're welcome. Just don't tell anybody, ok?" Birdy says. "I won't I promise." A sense of community passes between the two of them. Ardenia turns to Barn.

"You're Birdy's brother right?" Barn says "Yes, my name is Barn" Ardenia gives him the buttered bread and water.

"Do me a favor, Barn. Don't tell anybody I helped you out. Ok?" He shares the same response as Birdy. "I promise. Thank you." She tells them that she has to go, and quickly leaves the cell. Both siblings look down at their treasures and scarf down the cherished morsales unapologetically. After they are done, Birdy crumples up her cup and throws it into the hall alongside the rest of the scum and trash. Barn is quick to do the same.

"We need to go ask Markus something." Barn looks over at his sister. "What?"

"We need to figure out how to cause a distraction big enough to divert the guards attention and security cameras." Barn agrees with her and they make their way to the third floor.

They turn into the Markus's cell, hoping he will be their.

He is. He's still lying in bed. His roommate is putting his sweater on and his abs are exposed for a brief moment. He looks over at them and smirks. "Morning junkrats." he teases. Birdy lets it slide but Barn's face turns red.